Abducted in the Woods by Kerry Johnson




"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known"  Jeremkah 33:3 ESV

Prayer - talking with our Heavenly Father doesn't always come to us. It might ebb and glow depending on thr season of life, or it is awkward for some.  Sarah Brindleu, our hero in "Abducted in the Woods" felt the awkwardness of not knowing how to pray in thr beginning.   Having grown up with an alcoholic mother and her string of boyfriends Sarah knew mistrust, fear and even abuse from many of the men in her life.   She struggled wirh seeing God as a loving Heavenly Father who would not hurt her.  When her world comes crashing down around her (adultery in her marriage, the death of her spouse, and then the subsequent kidnapping of her young son), she doesn't know where to turn or if God will even hear her prayers.  She had been introduced to the faith as a young teenager by her late husband Tanner and his twin brother Tucker.  Her husband, as he moved up the corporate ladder in pharmaceuticals let greed and the things of this earth be his priority instead of his faith in God and his family.   God -in his sovereignty and infinite mercy and grace surrounds Sarah men and women of faith (including Tucker, her brother-in-law) who are strong in prayer to hold her up and teach her the amazing grace of God and the power of prayer.

While reading this book, I was reminded of Elevation Worship and Maverick City Worship's song entitled "Talking to Jesus" ( on the album Old Church Basement)- and how simple prayer can be.  When we are going through the fire and trials of life, God is always there.  He wants to hear our prayers.  He hears, and He answers.  We just have to trust.

Kerry Johnson does a great job of bringing these truths to light in Sarah and Tucker's story - as they are faced with multiple attempts on Sarah's life after she witnessed the murder of her husband.  While searching for Liam, Sarah's abducted son, they realize just how deep Tanner had been in the medical black market.   She shows what fear and greed can do as one reads and learns more of Sarah and Tucker's back story, and how damaging lies and mistrust can be to the lives of people.  Kerry gives readers strong characters, while showing and highlighting their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.  Reminding me of II Corinthians 12:9 "My strength is made perfect in your weakness".  Throughout the book, Johnson touches on some sensitive subjects (abortion, alcoholism, abuse, and infidelity) ultimately showing the great forgiveness, redemption, and restoration through Christ Jesus.  This is especially true for Sarah and Tucker's as they come to terms with their pasts and find their way back to each other.

With many twists and turns as Sarah and Tucker's close in on the medical black market ring responsible for Tanner's death-readers will not want to put this book down!  I suggest cozying up with your favorite blanket, maybe a cat or dog by your side, some hot chocolate, and a nice candle that brings comfort (Leaves and the Perfect Autumn from Bath and Body Works are two of my favorites).  For those of you wanting to grow in your prayer journey, I highly recommend  Prayer - Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller.

Simba enthusiastically gives this book four paws.  He totally loved Mr. Meows (Liam's cat) and begrudgingly gives Tucker's service dog a nod of approval.   He hopes you enjoy their stories as well.

A special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book to read and review.  Look for it wherever books are sold November 25th.!   

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